Football supporters travelling to the 2026 World Cup have been warned by Amnesty International that the competition may not prove the “safe, free and inclusive” tournament originally promised. The situation in the USA is becoming increasingly unstable with US President Donald Trump ordering an aggressive deportation campaign which has sparked tension between the US Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agency and citizens.

Furthermore, the escalating tension between the USA and Israel, and Iran has also cast doubt over the tournament, particularly with the latter widely anticipated to withdraw from the competition. The US, which is staging three quarters of the fixtures, is experiencing a “human rights emergency” according to Amnesty, with mass deportations frequently being met with robust public protests.

Additionally, in December, there were also reports Brits heading out to the competition would need to show five years of their social media history before they can enter the States, which could result in many being denied entry to the US. Given the political climates in the USA and globally, Steve Cockburn, the head of economic and social justice, cautioned supporters that the atmosphere may not be as welcoming.

He told Reuters: “There are huge risks around this tournament. This does not feel like the safe, free and equal World Cup and the inclusive World Cup that was promised eight years ago when it was awarded, but also may be quite different from how it felt even just 18 months ago. It’s a deeply troubling time in the US, which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations.”

He also added: “We’re not saying don’t go. We’re not saying don’t enjoy it. I really hope the fans do go and enjoy it. But it’s been about knowing the reality and making those judgements.”

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Amnesty has claimed more than 500,000 people have been deported from the USA last year. Many of those deportations have been carried out by ICE agents, who have regularly been seen emerging from unmarked vehicles with face masks on, before bundling individuals into the back of their cars.

Amnesty has also warned FIFA similar scenes, which have sparked numerous riots across the USA, could spill over into World Cup celebrations. Speaking about the potential presence of ICE agents around the competition, Cockburn added: “We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues so people can attend without fear of arbitrary arrest of deportation.”

Amnesty has also expressed outrage at the US government imposing travel bans on supporters from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran, and has demanded these be lifted. Amnesty has also criticised co-hosts Mexico and Canada, with the Mexican government possessing a track record of human rights violations relating to military deployments, which include torture and enforced disappearances.

Local residents have likewise protested against gentrification, water shortages and housing displacement that have occurred as a consequence of World Cup preparations, while Canada has been accused of exacerbating conditions for the nation’s homeless population in Vancouver and Toronto.

A spokesperson from the Office of the Minister of Public Safety stated: “We take these issues seriously and remain actively engaged with all levels of government, law enforcement and community organisations to ensure the tournament is secure, fair and welcoming for everyone.

A White House spokesperson also said: “This event will generate billions of dollars of economic impact and bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to our country. The President of focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history.”